Thank you, Mr. Chair.
John, you've just stated what I've always wanted to say, and you did it probably a whole lot better than I would have, except for this. Committees are interesting places. I think we've all served on committees that are very functional, and we've served on committees that are very dysfunctional. I tend to think this is a very functional committee. I say that because, other than Blaine and myself, most of you are so close to what you're representing here that you have the best interests of the fishermen and those involved in the industry at heart. I want to be part of a committee that is functional; I want to be part of a committee that works.
I know this amendment will definitely shoot a shot over the bow for the government. I know the government is definitely going to come back and ask us what we're doing. At that point, we can say, “You really need to have a second look at this.” That would be the response of this motion. The motion as it stands, I agree wholeheartedly with my colleague—John, you are absolutely right—that it is just going to close doors.
I'm suggesting that as a committee we can do something. The best way we can do what we want to accomplish is through the amended motion. I will be voting, obviously, for my motion and I would encourage and ask that my colleagues really consider this, because I believe this is something that is good for this committee and subsequently for the fishing industry.